Sleepwalking disorder is a reasonably common health condition. According to the Cleveland clinic, there are links between anxiety, stress, childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an increased risk of sleepwalking.
Sleepwalking goes by the term somnambulism, which comes from the Latin words that mean “sleep” and “walking.” Experts also classify it as a sleep disorder using the term parasomnia.
Most people who sleepwalk do not need treatment for the condition, although your doctor may want to rule out other medical conditions such as seizures. If you’re an elderly individual, then sleepwalking may be linked to a neurocognitive disorder such as dementia. Seeing a mental health expert is a good idea if you are elderly and are sleepwalking. For more insights into how sleep impacts mental health, you can check out our blog on The Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health
Various mental health pathologies may be considerably more prevalent in patients presenting or without a family history. More work is required be better delineate the pathophysiologic and
Getting treatment for other sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia can also eliminate sleepwalking.
Doctors don’t typically prescribe medication for sleepwalking, but they can sometimes decide to prescribe a short-acting tranquilizer. Your doctor may also refer you to a mental health professional who can work with you to help lower stress and anxiety.
If you do make an appointment with a mental health professional, be sure to tell your doctor what medications you’re taking, whether you use drugs or drink alcohol, and whether there is a history of sleepwalking disorder in your family.
Additional details about sleepwalking include:
Although its cause is not understood exactly, there are some things that are clear about the condition as follows:
Sleepwalking is often genetic in nature, which means that if a member of your family sleepwalks, there is an increased chance that you will do so too.
Sleepwalking usually takes place during deep, non-REM sleep. Not getting enough sleep, keeping irregular sleep schedules, or experiencing sleep interruptions can all trigger sleepwalking. Certain medications can also make it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep, sometimes increasing the risk of sleepwalking.
Other reasons may include fever, illness, waking up suddenly, stress and anxiety, which should be treated by a psychiatrist.
While it’s not considered highly dangerous, people who sleepwalk, or have sleepwalkers in their home, should take precautions to minimize risk of injury in the night.
What to Do If You’re a Sleepwalker
If you or someone you know experiences sleepwalking, taking proactive steps can help manage the condition and reduce risks. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do:
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider
- Medical Evaluation: The first step is to discuss your sleepwalking episodes with a healthcare provider. They can assess whether your sleepwalking is linked to any underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or neurological disorders like epilepsy.
- Specialist Referral: Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation, which could include a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor your sleep patterns and identify any abnormalities.
- Rule Out Medication Effects: Some medications, including sedatives and certain antidepressants, can contribute to sleepwalking. Your doctor might review your current medications to determine if they could be playing a role.
2. Mental Health Evaluation
- Addressing Stress and Anxiety: If stress, anxiety, or trauma is suspected to be contributing to your sleepwalking, consulting with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or therapist, can be highly beneficial. They can help you develop coping strategies to manage these triggers.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one approach that can help manage stress and anxiety. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that may contribute to sleepwalking.
- Family History: Be sure to inform your mental health professional about any family history of sleepwalking, as it can provide valuable insights into potential genetic factors.
3. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establishing and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your sleep cycle, reducing the chances of sleepwalking.
- Pre-Bedtime Routine: Develop a calming bedtime routine to signal your body that it’s time to sleep. This could include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
- Sleep Environment: Ensure your sleep environment is conducive to restful sleep. This includes having a comfortable mattress, reducing noise and light, and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
4. Create a Safe Sleep Environment
- Safety Precautions: If you or a loved one sleepwalks, it’s essential to take precautions to minimize the risk of injury. Secure windows and doors, remove sharp objects from the bedroom, and consider placing barriers at the top of stairs to prevent falls.
- Alarms and Alerts: Consider installing alarms on doors and windows or using motion-sensor alarms that can alert others if you start sleepwalking. This can help ensure your safety if you wander during the night.
- Sleepwalking Bed Setup: Place your bed in a position where it’s harder to leave the room while sleepwalking. Some people also find it helpful to sleep on the ground floor to avoid the danger of stairs.
5. Be Aware of Triggers
- Identify and Manage Stress: Since stress and anxiety are common triggers for sleepwalking, it’s important to recognize what stresses you and learn to manage it effectively. Techniques such as journaling, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in regular physical activity can be beneficial.
- Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to reduce the chances of an episode.
- Medications and Substances: Be mindful of medications and substances that may trigger sleepwalking. If you suspect that a specific medication is contributing to your sleepwalking, discuss alternatives with your doctor. Additionally, limit or avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can interfere with sleep quality and increase the risk of sleepwalking.
6. Limit Alcohol and Substance Use
- Alcohol and Sleepwalking: Alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. If you are prone to sleepwalking, it’s advisable to limit your alcohol intake, especially in the evening.
- Avoid Recreational Drugs: Recreational drugs can also interfere with your sleep and exacerbate sleepwalking episodes. Avoiding these substances can help reduce the risk of sleepwalking.
7. Consider Behavioral Techniques
- Scheduled Awakenings: If sleepwalking occurs regularly, consider the technique of scheduled awakenings. This involves waking the sleepwalker 15-30 minutes before the usual time they sleepwalk, then keeping them awake for a few minutes before allowing them to go back to sleep. This can help disrupt the cycle of sleepwalking.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques before bed, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery, can help calm the mind and reduce the chances of sleepwalking.
Conclusion
Sleepwalking disorder, often seen as a benign condition, can have serious implications for both mental and physical health. Understanding the connection between sleepwalking and factors like stress, anxiety, and other sleep disorders is essential for effective management. By consulting healthcare providers, prioritizing sleep hygiene, and addressing mental health triggers, you can significantly reduce the frequency and risks associated with sleepwalking. Creating a safe sleep environment and being mindful of potential triggers are also crucial steps in minimizing danger and ensuring a more restful night.
While sleepwalking may not always require medical intervention, it should never be overlooked, especially if it leads to safety concerns or signals underlying health issues. If you or someone you know is affected by sleepwalking, seeking professional guidance is key. Taking proactive steps to manage sleepwalking not only improves your sleep quality but also enhances your overall well-being. Addressing this condition as part of a broader health strategy can lead to better sleep, improved daily functioning, and a more balanced life. For more information on how to manage sleep disorders and enhance your overall health, visit PsychPlus for expert guidance and support.
